Prepared Environment: Movement

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montessori at home

During her observations of young children, Montessori came to understand that movement is a key to supporting learning and development in young children. Montessori wrote over and over about the importance of linking the hand to the intelligence. In The 1946 London Lectures, she writes: “The problem is not to move, but to move in relationship with the intelligence.” She goes on to say: “The child gives us a beautiful lesson-that in order to form and maintain our intelligence, we must use our hands.” Movement is built into the Montessori classroom. Children refine their motor skills through the activities of practical life. Children put their work rugs far apart and bring quantities from across the room for math games. Children play distance games with sensorial materials. Children fetch the sandpaper letters as a review of their understanding. Intelligent movement is etched deeply into the curriculum and the environment itself.

Children in conventional classroom settings are often deprived of movement. Traditional settings find it necessary to prescribe movement breaks for children to get the movement their body needs. Children are asked to run laps or play silly games to get their energy out. Montessori is clear in her writings that if children need breaks for physical activity, there is not enough work for them in the classroom.

There are so many ways you can support the need for movement at home. Here are a few ways you can do this:

  • Give your child opportunities to help. Let them peel potatoes and grate cheese. Let them wash the windows and fold the laundry and mop the floor. Let them dump and stir when you are baking. These activities provide support for gross and fine motor development in a meaningful way.

  • Play outside. Let them play outside as often as possible, in all kinds of weather. Let them navigate walking on slippery, wet ground. Let them learn how to change their pace when the ground is hard or muddy.

  • Provide heavy work. Let them carry heavy grocery bags. Let them carry the big laundry basket. Provide things for them to push and pull outside.

  • Play games that involve movement. Have them bring you objects that start with certain sounds or are certain colors. Give them a number and have them collect that many of a certain item around your house. “Bring me four spoons.” “Bring me two pillows.” Games like this are engaging and a great way for them to have purposeful movement.